Voice
and Beginner Piano Teacher in NYC

Jazz singer/songwriter Kate Chaston’s career began with a Trustee Scholarship to Boston University, where she received classical training as an opera singer. Upon graduating cum laude, Ms. Chaston moved to New York City to study at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre (graduate). She soon began performing across genres at the Century Center, La Mama, National Black Theatre of Harlem, Don’t Tell Mama, and many other venues (AEA).

Kate grew up in a musical family, learning piano at an early age, and spending hours picking apart lyrics and stylings in her parents’ large record collection – early influences range from Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Prima to Rickie Lee Jones and Joni Mitchell. She spent summers studying and working at the Tanglewood Music Festival and studied voice with Richard Cassilly and Carolann Page, among others. Kate started songwriting later in her career, something she calls a “surprising and deeply satisfying turn of events.” She can be seen at venues across the city, including Rockwood Music Hall, the Metropolitan Room, and Silvana. Her self-titled EP, featuring originals and standards, and produced by Scott Sharrard (Gregg Allman, Levon Helm) and Charlie Martinez (Steely Dan, Donald Fagen) can be found on CD Baby, Amazon, and iTunes.

Kate has been teaching voice privately for over 5 years, with a wide range of ages from elementary school to adult. For late teens to adults, emphasis is on promoting healthy singing technique (focusing on alignment, breath, tone & musicality), defining and achieving goals, authentic interpretation/performance, ear training & music theory. For younger students, emphasis is on fostering a love of music and song, introducing basic warm up and awareness of breath and alignment, and developing musicality & musical literacy. Kate is happy to incorporate song-writing as well as early piano skills into lessons, and believes in supporting the student in a fun and nurturing atmosphere, no matter his or her age!

To sign up for music lessons in NYC or to contact us with any questions please use this form: